Have a Heart

Here’s a story: A dance teacher with dreams of greatness suffers a terrible fall and becomes crippled.  Her hopes are lifted and love blooms with the help of a good-natured ice cream salesman who doesn’t initially realize she can’t walk.  Sounds like a Hollywood blockbuster, no?  Well, maybe in 1934, when “Have a Heart” debuted with stars Sally Moore, Jean Parker and James Dunn.  It was popular enough at the time to merit its very own cocktail!  

Have a Heart c. 1934

The “Heave a Heart” was published in Patrick Duffy’s “Official Mixer’s Manuel” and featured an obscure Scandinavian spirit known as “Swedish Punsch” which was popular during the turn of the twentieth century before Prohibition hit.  Swedish Punsch was based with Battavia Arrack, a sugar cane spirit imported from the East Indies in the mid eighteenth century, and infused with sugar and spices.  In recent years it has again become readily available, such as the popular Kronan brand which is self-described as having “a rich, full-bodied rum palate with complex notes of toffee, smoke, molasses and leather.”  Mmmmmm.  So Have a Heart – go on, have one – after all, it’s been there all along.  And where is the best place for you to enjoy these delights? Well, there’s no place like home.  Cheers!

These two are having a heart to heart

Have A Heart – Patrick Duffy c. 1934

1 1/2 oz Gin

3/4 oz Swedish Punsch

3/4 oz Lime Juice

1/4 oz Grenadine

Shake together over ice and strain into a favorite glass.  A little lemon peel oil will get the stiff joints moving as well.